As the frontman of Jakobs Castle, Jakob Nowell embarked on his first-ever tour of Japan, playing direct support for the legendary Long Beach Dub Allstars.
But this wasn’t just another string of shows—it was a deeply personal journey, one woven into the legacy of his late father, Sublime’s Bradley Nowell.
A Full-Circle Moment: The Connection Between Opie Ortiz and the Nowell Legacy
Jakob’s presence on this tour was no coincidence. Long Beach Dub Allstars frontman Opie Ortiz isn’t just a veteran of the SoCal reggae scene—he was also one of Bradley Nowell’s closest friends and creative collaborators. Ortiz, a renowned tattoo artist, was responsible for some of Sublime’s most iconic imagery, including the famous sun logo and the Sublime tattoo inked across Bradley’s upper back—both of which graced the cover of Sublime’s multi-platinum self-titled album. His intricate flower artwork also covered the front of the CD, immortalizing his role in the band’s aesthetic.
So when Ortiz invited Jakob and Jakobs Castle on the tour, it was more than just a co-sign. It was a symbolic passing of the torch, a moment of mentorship from an artist who knew Bradley best to the son who is now forging his own path in the world of music.
Jakobs Castle Takes Japan by Storm
For fans of Sublime and Long Beach Dub Allstars, this tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With stops in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, audiences were treated to a seamless blend of old-school SoCal reggae and the next wave of alternative surf rock. Jakob Nowell, already known for his distinct fusion of ska, punk, and indie rock, proved he could hold his own on the international stage, bringing an electrifying energy that captivated Japanese crowds.
Jakobs Castle’s setlist was a high-energy mix of original tracks and nods to the genre’s roots. While Jakob has been intentional about forging his own identity apart from Sublime, there was no denying the gravity of the moment. Fans in Japan weren’t just witnessing a new artist—they were seeing the legacy continue in real time.
More Than a Tour: A New Chapter for Reggae Rock
Ortiz’s decision to bring Jakobs Castle along was a powerful tribute to his late friend and an acknowledgment that the future of reggae rock is in good hands. For Jakob, it was a chance to step into his own, to prove that while he carries the Sublime name, he’s more than just his father’s son—he’s an artist with his own voice, his own vision, and his own path to carve.
As the tour wrapped, one thing became clear: this was only the beginning for Jakobs Castle. With the spirit of Sublime guiding him and the blessing of legends like Opie Ortiz, Jakob Nowell isn’t just honoring the past—he’s building the future.
